Latest Quectel podcast reveals LTE CAT-1 sits in a sweet spot for IoT connectivity

With LTE CAT-1 being increasingly adopted across the world, it has truly moved into the mainstream as a mature, well-understood and near-ubiquitous option for connecting IoT. In a recent Quectel podcast, Delbert Sun, the vice general manager of products at the company, told journalist George Malim how he sees further adoption and usage of CAT-1.

LTE CAT-1 isn't a new technology and, along with CAT-4, is very familiar to subscribers. With the 2G and 3G networks retiring in various markets globally, new alternatives are needed and cellular options center on LTE and 5G. CAT-1 in particular is gaining customers because it provides good bandwidth at an attractive cost and there is roaming between global operators. In the podcast, Sun emphasized that IoT applications such as trackers, wireless payments, sharing devices, smart grids and many others need the capabilities of CAT-1. Many don't need the additional bandwidth of 5G or its cost and this why CAT-1 is seen as a technology for all occasions.

“Users are finding LTE CAT-1 very easy to accept and use,” confirmed Sun. “Secondly, I think CAT-1 is moving so fast because of the 2G and 3G sunset, not only in China and in Europe but globally, the operators and governments are thinking about refarming the frequency for new technology like LTE and 5G. Trends of usage have also accelerated CAT-1 usage in the consumer market and also for industrial applications.”

Familiarity is a strength. The subscriber is very familiar with LTE, including CAT-1 and CAT-4 and Sun said there are now 150 operators globally which can bring the subscriber a very good experience to run in different apps and a range of industrial applications. The level of adoption means LTE CAT-1 and CAT-4 have a very complete and very healthy ecosystem. This is very strong and very mature and this is a key reason why Sun thinks CAT-1 is deployed at every corner of the board.

Sun went on to say he sees CAT-1 occupying a sweet spot and offers the best balance of attributes.

“I love the term sweet spot and I think it's fair to say LTE CAT-1 has the golden balance,” said Sun. “You can see CAT-1 is not as fast as CAT-4 but also not as limited in speed as NB-IoT and CAT M. This means it can provide suitable bandwidth and suitable uplink and downlink speeds that can satisfy most IoT applications.”

Compared with 2G and 3G, CAT-1 has a very strong application processor. In Quectel modules, this software code can be opened and the application processor can provide expanded ability for a customer to connect their LCD, connect a touch panel or any kinds of IoT sensors, driving possibilities for future applications, services and use cases.

To hear the podcast in full, visit http://bit.ly/3mjFxUT

To learn more about the capabilities of LTE Cat-1 – download our new white paper “ A technology for all – why LTE Cat 1 is transforming cellular connectivity”.